82 



CHAPTER VI. 



THE SQUARES^ PLACES,, CHURCH GARDENS^ ETC. 



Most of us are familiar enougli with the aspects of the 

 London squares^ with their melancholy loneliness^ and fre- 

 quent filthiness — their highest efforts being in the planting 

 of Privet, &c., so cleverly that any view of the interior is 

 impossible. If by way of contrast we glance at the state 

 of one of the most central and best known squares in Paris 

 before entering on the general question, we may be able to 

 get an idea of the different system pursued in each city, and 

 I trust also of the great advantages and superiority of the 

 Parisian one. The square and Tour St. Jacques illustrate 

 judicious city improvements better than anything else that 

 I am acquainted with. This tower — originally part of 

 an old church, and hidden from view by tall, narrow, dirty 

 streets which crowded around it, is now one of the most 

 beautiful and interesting objects in Paris — striking to every 

 one who passes by it, and with the garden a source of much 

 pleasure and benefit to the people who live in this central 

 neighbourhood. It was made so by clearing away narrow 

 old streets and buildings and making a garden. 



The first thing that strikes the visitor in this square is 

 -p^^ its freshness, perfect keeping, and the 



numbers of people who are seated in it, 

 reading, working, or playing. " The 

 same reason,^^ it is said in ' Guesses at 

 Truth," which calls for the restoration 

 of our village greens, calls no less impera- 

 tively in London for the throwing open 

 - « of the gardens in all the squares. What 

 Portion of the Plan of bright refreshing spots would these be 



margin of a Parisian . , , • i . £• t i • i t , 



square. m the midst ot our huge brick and stone 



